The esteemed 10 recognises influential voices in the multidisciplinary design community in 2025. Criterion is based on approach, notable achievements and completed and anticipated projects.
This piece originally appeared in est magazine issue 55: ‘Faces of Design’.
Arno Declercq
Antwerp, Belgium
My design work is best summed up as:
“Ancient craftsmanship meets contemporary minimalism.” My work is about creating pieces that honour traditional methods while embracing a modern aesthetic. I aim to design timeless yet relevant objects, merging historical techniques with today’s need for simplicity. Each piece carries a story, emphasising depth and emotional resonance through raw materials and subtle details.
What aspect of your work are people most curious about?
People often ask about my use of shou sugi ban, a Japanese technique where wood is charred to achieve a deep, blackened finish, enhancing durability while creating a unique, tactile texture. It’s a delicate balance between control and the rawness of the fire, and it adds an expressive, ancient quality to each piece.
What has recently challenged the way you think about design?Â
Collaborating with brands like Fendi has stretched my design boundaries. Merging my minimalist, raw style with their luxury vision required me to innovate while staying true to my principles. It opened my mind to using new materials and experimenting with aesthetics, prompting a richer, more versatile approach to my design philosophy.
Portrait by studio brinth
What person, building, product, or art piece has had a lasting impact on your work?
Brutalist architecture profoundly influences my designs, particularly the stark forms of bunkers and fortresses. I’m drawn to their powerful volumes and geometric simplicity, which evoke resilience and timelessness. This aesthetic informs my furniture’s bold lines and weighty presence, aiming to evoke the same strength and clarity in a domestic setting.
The three words I would most like people to attribute to my work are:Â
Timeless, tactile, evocative.
What is the one piece of advice you would share with an emerging designer?
Embrace experimentation without fear of mistakes. Mistakes are part of the journey—they reveal new possibilities and insights. Stay true to your creative vision, even when it doesn’t align with trends, because that uniqueness will ultimately define your work. Pursue materials and processes that excite you and explore them without reservation.
Where do you go to appreciate exceptional design?Â
Museums and galleries are my go-to places for inspiration, especially those displaying both contemporary and tribal art. These spaces highlight diverse perspectives and techniques, reminding me of design’s universality. In particular, tribal art embodies a raw connection to culture, which resonates deeply with my own philosophy of blending tradition and modernity.
Something you want to see more of in 2025? And less of?Â
I hope to see more collaborations bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design, fostering cultural appreciation and innovation. Conversely, I’d like to see less focus on mass-produced, disposable items that lack character and sustainability. We need more pieces that tell stories, respect materials, and honour the time and skills that went into their creation.
